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Cheap flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns from $124

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a Cheapflights user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight departing on 5/3. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
MEL — CNS
5 mar. — 12 mar.1
1 adult
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags
Cheapflights Tip: The best prices from Melbourne to Cairns are usually found in March or February, booked 59 days in advance, depart on a Tuesday or Wednesday and return on a Friday

Cheap flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns

Enter your travel dates to find the best prices.

Cheapest flights from Melbourne to Cairns
Explore the most affordable flight options available from Melbourne to Cairns. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on 3 febrero 2026.

lun. 16/319:45
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
vie. 20/319:30
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Deal found 1/2$249
jue. 5/321:25
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 30m
Virgin Australia
lun. 9/323:55
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 25m
Virgin Australia
Deal found 3/2$250
jue. 5/306:15
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 15m
Multiple Airlines
lun. 9/323:55
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 25m
Multiple Airlines
Deal found 1/2$252
lun. 6/419:15
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
vie. 8/521:40
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
Deal found 1/2$255
sáb. 7/315:35
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
sáb. 21/318:40
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Deal found 3/2$256
lun. 6/419:15
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
mié. 6/521:40
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
Deal found 1/2$258
mié. 8/417:25
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
mar. 5/511:00
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 30m
Jetstar
Deal found 1/2$259
dom. 5/415:55
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
mar. 5/521:40
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
Deal found 1/2$260
mié. 8/417:25
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
lun. 11/521:40
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
Deal found 1/2$262
jue. 26/206:15
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 15m
Jetstar
mié. 4/316:00
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
Deal found 2/2$263
lun. 9/319:45
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 20m
Jetstar
lun. 16/309:45
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
Deal found 3/2$265
sáb. 11/419:15
MEL
-
CNS
Nonstop3h 25m
Jetstar
mié. 6/511:00
CNS
-
MEL
Nonstop3h 30m
Jetstar
Deal found 1/2$266

Find flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns

Discover tips and strategies to find the most affordable flight options for your journey from Melbourne (MEL) to Cairns (CNS). Learn about various techniques such as flexible date searches, comparing prices across and setting up price alerts. Use these methods to find the cheapest flights available for your travel needs. Data last updated 3 febrero 2026.

Round-trip from

$249

One-way from

$124

Popular in

July

Cheapest in

March

Average price

$237

Good round-trip deal

$250 or less

Good one-way deal

$136 or less
Jetstar
  • Jetstar
  • 23/3-28/3
  • Nonstop
  • 6h 45m total
  • Melbourne to Cairns
Search Deals
Jetstar
  • Jetstar
  • 3/3
  • Nonstop
  • 3h 15m total
  • Melbourne to Cairns
Search Deals
Highest demand for flights based on searches. 11% potential increase in price ($54 potential increase over avg. return price).
Search Deals
Cheapest flight prices on average. 3% potential price decrease ($15 potential savings vs. average return price).
Search Deals
Average for round-trip flights in February 2026
Search Deals
Price to beat on a round-trip flight from Melbourne to Cairns.
Search Deals
Price to beat on a one-way flight from Melbourne to Cairns.
Search Deals

Cheapflights Fare Finder

 
Customise your flight search to find flights from Melbourne to Cairns that fit within your specific budget. Explore options based on user searches and filter the results based on your desired price range. Find flights that match your budget for a cost-effective journey. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 647,157 searches. Data last updated 3 febrero 2026.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns that are best for you.

Fly from

Melbourne

Fly to

Cairns

Route

Depart

Return

Price

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

vie. 8/5

17:25-20:50

Nonstop3h 25m

Cairns

lun. 11/5

21:40-01:00

Nonstop3h 20m

$249

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

sáb. 21/3

06:15-08:30

Nonstop3h 15m

Cairns

sáb. 28/3

09:45-14:10

Nonstop3h 25m

$249

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

mar. 21/4

19:15-22:40

Nonstop3h 25m

Cairns

sáb. 25/4

20:10-23:35

Nonstop3h 25m

$249

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

jue. 7/5

19:15-22:40

Nonstop3h 25m

Cairns

lun. 11/5

21:40-01:00

Nonstop3h 20m

$249

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

lun. 16/3

19:45-22:05

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

sáb. 21/3

18:40-23:05

Nonstop3h 25m

$249

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

jue. 23/4

19:15-22:40

Nonstop3h 25m

Cairns

sáb. 25/4

20:10-23:35

Nonstop3h 25m

$249

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

mar. 3/3

19:45-22:05

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

sáb. 7/3

07:45-12:10

Nonstop3h 25m

$249

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

vie. 1/5

17:25-20:50

Nonstop3h 25m

Cairns

lun. 4/5

21:40-01:00

Nonstop3h 20m

$249

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

dom. 22/3

19:45-22:05

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

jue. 26/3

19:30-23:55

Nonstop3h 25m

$249

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

jue. 21/5

17:25-20:50

Nonstop3h 25m

Cairns

lun. 25/5

21:40-01:00

Nonstop3h 20m

$249

Flights are sorted by cheapest return flights first.

Deals found on 2/2

Showing 1-10 of 22 results
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Best time to book a flight from Melbourne to Cairns

Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to Cairns from Melbourne with our price prediction graph.
Estimated return price
Rates are based on past data. Find the cheapest month and day to book your flight based on your travel requirements, then search for cheap deals.

Cheapflights Insights

Everything you need to know about your flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns

How far ahead should I book a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

Use this chart to determine the optimal time to book a return flight from Melbourne to Cairns. Price data was last updated on 30 January 2026.

To ensure you get the cheapest price possible for a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns, you should look to book at least 59 days in advance of your intended travel date. The price of your flight may increase if you delay and leave booking until a week or so before departure.

What is the cheapest month to book a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

Currently, May is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns (average of $111). Flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns in September is currently the most expensive (average of $191). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly from MEL to CNS?

Find hourly flight availability from Melbourne to Cairns. Discover flight options and departure times throughout the day, allowing you to choose a departure time that suits your schedule. Data last updated 3 febrero 2026.

Unlike at midday, when flights are generally more expensive, you can save up to 57% on flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns by exploring options for tickets in the evening.

What is the cheapest day to fly from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

Use this chart to determine the cheapest time to fly return from Melbourne to Cairns. Price data was last updated on 31 January 2026.

Travellers seeking maximum savings on their Melbourne Airport to Cairns flight should consider departing on Wednesday at midday when fares are most often at their lowest. Tuesday at midday flights should be avoided if possible as fares are typically the most expensive at this time.

How much does it cost for a return flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

Reviews of airlines servicing Cairns

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to Cairns. Read reviews, discover amenities, and learn about the overall travel experience offered by airlines. Use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to Cairns. Reviews last updated 3 febrero 2026.
Read reviews from past customers who have flown with Virgin Australia, Qantas Airways, andJetstar from Melbourne Airport to Cairns. Users can see the overall rating for each airline as well as how each is rated in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
Virgin Australia
7.6
Good
433 reviews
Check prices

Crew

8.2

Comfort

7.5

Food

6.4

Entertainment

6.4

Boarding

7.7

Overall

7.6

Reviews

1 / 20
8.0
Excellent

Elio,Jan 2026

MEL - ADL

Starting to be as efficient as qantas… bar the food offerings Virgin is up there now
Virgin Australia
7.6
Good
433 reviews
Virgin Australia
7.6
Good
433 reviews
Check prices

Crew

8.2

Comfort

7.5

Food

6.4

Entertainment

6.4

Boarding

7.7

Overall

7.6

Reviews

1 / 20
8.0
Excellent

Elio,Jan 2026

MEL - ADL

Starting to be as efficient as qantas… bar the food offerings Virgin is up there now
Qantas Airways
7.5
Good
985 reviews
Virgin Australia
7.6
Good
433 reviews
Check prices

Crew

8.2

Comfort

7.5

Food

6.4

Entertainment

6.4

Boarding

7.7

Overall

7.6

Reviews

1 / 20
8.0
Excellent

Elio,Jan 2026

MEL - ADL

Starting to be as efficient as qantas… bar the food offerings Virgin is up there now
Jetstar
6.5
Okay
514 reviews
Virgin Australia
7.6
Good
433 reviews
Check prices

Crew

8.2

Comfort

7.5

Food

6.4

Entertainment

6.4

Boarding

7.7

Overall

7.6

Reviews

1 / 20
8.0
Excellent

Elio,Jan 2026

MEL - ADL

Starting to be as efficient as qantas… bar the food offerings Virgin is up there now

Related info for your journey

Find useful and relevant information for your journey from Melbourne to Cairns. Access travel guides, tips, and recommendations to enhance your travel experience. Get information about local attractions, weather, transportation options, and more.

  • What airport do you fly into for flights to Cairns from Melbourne?

    If you book a flight to Cairns from Melbourne, you will be flying to Cairns, which is the city’s only airport. Cairns (CNS) is located 4.4 km from the centre of Cairns. There are 13 flights from Melbourne to Cairns per day from 3 different airlines.

  • How long is the flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

    Airlines like Jetstar fly from Melbourne Airport to Cairns in about 3h 25m. The time it takes to get you to your destination is usually consistent. The distance between Melbourne Airport and Cairns is about 2311 km. Most flights are nonstop.

  • What are the cheapest airlines flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns round-trip?

    Our cheapest airline available from Melbourne Airport to Cairns is Jetstar. Our recent data shows that you can find tickets from as low as $119 on this airline. Additional options worth looking into are Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways, starting at $156 and $188 round-trip. Jetstar is priced at 60% lower than the current average price of a flight leaving 3 months from now.

  • What are the cheapest airlines to fly from Melbourne Airport to Cairns one-way?

    $102 is the cheapest one-way deal found within the past few days, from Jetstar. You may also be able to find cheap deals on Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways, with prices starting from $135 and $207, respectively.

  • What are the most reliable airlines from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

    The top 3 most reliable airlines when flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns are China Southern (91%), Emirates (87%) and Air New Zealand (87%).

  • What are the cheapest flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

    On average you can expect to pay $1,284 for a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns. The cheapest flight overall is $109 while the most popular route, (Melbourne - Cairns) is currently priced at $243.

  • Where are the most common stopover locations when flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

    Melbourne Airport to Cairns flights have a stopover in Sydney most often.

  • What are some popular things to do or see while on a stopover in Sydney?

    If you're on a stopover in Sydney and looking for things to do, consider visiting Sydney Opera House, Theatre Royal, or The Metro Theatre. Sydney Opera House, Theatre Royal and The Metro Theatre are located about 9.9 km, 8.4 km, and 7.6 km, respectively from Sydney Kingsford Smith if you are interested in checking them out. Travellers in need of a car in Sydney can hire one for about $51 per day.

  • Where are the least popular stopover locations for Melbourne Airport to Cairns flights?

    The least popular stopover on flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns is Brisbane.

  • Can I find deals for flights from Melbourne to Cairns that include hotel bookings?

    Yes. In addition to deals on Melbourne to Cairns flights, Cheapflights offers holiday packages that include both flights and hotel.

  • How can I find direct flights from Melbourne to Cairns?

    After entering your origin and destination, apply the non-stop filter on the search result page to find direct flights from Melbourne to Cairns.

  • Can I find deals for business class flights from Melbourne to Cairns?

    Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns by cabin class. In addition to browsing deals, you can also filter by cabin class on the search results page after making a search.

  • What is the cheapest month to book a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

    Currently, May is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns (average of $111). Flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns in September is currently the most expensive (average of $191). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

See more FAQs

Travelling to a place near Cairns?

Book flights to Cairns if you plan to visit one of these locations
Mission Beach
Trinity Beach

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Fly from Melbourne to Cairns on these airlines

Choose from the following airlines for your flight from Melbourne to Cairns. Flights are based on user searches made on Cheapflights and were last updated on 3 febrero 2026.
Jetstar flights from Melbourne to Cairns
Virgin Australia flights from Melbourne to Cairns
Qantas Airways flights from Melbourne to Cairns

Top 3 airlines flying from Melbourne to Cairns

Discover the top 3 airlines that operate flights from Melbourne to Cairns. Compare their services, reliability, and customer satisfaction ratings to choose the airline that best suits your travel preferences and needs. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 647,157 searches. Data last updated 3 febrero 2026.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
JetstarCheapest$119Average$288FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time74%
Search Jetstar flights
Virgin AustraliaCheapest$156Average$363FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time80%
Search Virgin Australia flights
Qantas AirwaysCheapest$188Average$533FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time74%
Search Qantas Airways flights

Fly with Cheapflights

Find the best flight deals on Cheapflights, where travellers can enjoy low prices and a wide availability of flights to their desired destinations.

How does Cheapflights help users find flights from Melbourne to Cairns?

Cheapflights goes through 900+ travel sites to look for the best flight deals for flights from Melbourne to Cairns. Too many options? Cheapflights also provides filters for things like airlines, price ranges, and number of stops to help you make a decision easily.

Why should you use Cheapflights to find cheap flight tickets from Melbourne to Cairns?

Millions of users choose and trust Cheapflights to book the best flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns for free. We help you search and compare prices from hundreds of airlines for the right flight just for you.

Can Cheapflights find flights from Melbourne to Cairns with no change fees?

Cheapflights does show flights with no change fees to all users. To see these options for flights from Melbourne to Cairns, users can toggle the no change fees filter when performing a flight search.

Can Cheapflights notify me if prices for flights from Melbourne to Cairns become cheaper?

Yes, Cheapflights offers price alerts on Melbourne to Cairns flights so you can book your travel at the perfect time. Price Alerts can be enabled by clicking the bell icon next to the flight deals above and providing your email address where you want to receive the alerts.

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